Macquarie Fields High School

Loyalty, Sincerity, Generosity

Telephone02 9605 3111

Emailmacfields-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

English

English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.

Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.

The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:

  • English Extension 2
  • English Extension 1
  • English Advanced
  • English Standard
  • English Studies
  • English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
  • English Life Skills.

Courses offered

We offer courses in the following areas:

Stage 4:

  • Year 7 English

  • Year 8 English

Stage 5:

  • Year 9 English

  • Year 10 English

Stage 6:

Preliminary - YEAR 11

  • English Studies (2 unit)

  • English Standard (2 unit)

  • English Advanced (2 unit)*

  • English Extension 1(1 unit)

HSC – YEAR 12

  • English Studies (2 unit)

  • English Standard (2 unit)

  • English Advanced (2 unit)*

  • English Extension 1 (1 unit)

  • English Extension 2 (1 unit)

* students who study English Advanced can elect to undertake the one unit courses: English Extension 1 and English Extension 2.

Initiatives:

Macquarie Fields High School provides opportunities for students to supplement and extend their learning by participating in extra curricula programs, including:

  • Book Club

  • Drama Club

  • Poetive Arts Club

  • Premier’s Public Speaking Competitions

  • Premier's Debating Challenge

  • Premier’s Reading Challenge

  • Red Room Poetry’s Poem Forest

  • Sydney Writers’ Festival excursion

  • The Cognitive Thinking Club (TCTC)

Faculty Mission Statement

The English faculty fosters empathy and critical thinking in our students, to support them in making positive contributions to our school community and the broader community. We carefully select texts that expose students to characters and worlds that are familiar to them, but that also challenge their preconceived ideas of the world around them, providing windows into different life experiences and perspectives. The English faculty encourages students to reflect on how and why people and worlds are represented in the texts we study and we value our students' individual readings of these texts. We also value independent learners who are willing to take risks with their learning, challenging themselves to engage in new experiences that expand their skills as readers and writers.

Wide reading

Reading is an important way young people learn about the world. It offers different perspectives on the world around us and can foster a person’s imagination. Over time, it helps build the writing skills that are required in the senior years of high school. Research shows that regular reading improves the clarity and sophistication of students’ written work.

For the habit of reading to take hold it needs to be pleasurable. We encourage our students to regularly read for enjoyment. As a faculty, we are committed to providing students with opportunities to read. We invite you to help support your child’s reading by giving them regular opportunities to read at home. 20 minutes a day is a great start!

One of the requirements in English is that students in years 7-10 keep a log of their reading at home and have it signed by their parent/guardian. This is designed to encourage reading at home, help your child keep track of their progress and help you and their teacher discuss their reading choices with them.

Staff

Natalie Stevens (Head Teacher)

Maria Alam

Nathan Antony

Cate Burke

Katrina Ford

Kane Gayler

Emily Grimes

Julie Hall

Rhianon Hall

Manasi Ingale

Imelda Judge

Vivian Kha

Sarah McLean

Tanya Porter

Luisa Trieu

Chanel Wano

4 teachers holding booklets created by year 7
Image: Mr Gayler, Ms McLean, Ms Alam and Ms Burke are proud of the work their year 7 students produced
Students drafting a poem in Poetive Arts on a whiteboard
Image: Students drafting a poem in Poetive Arts
Students extend their problem solving abilities and get prizes in The Cognitive Thinking Club
Image: Students extend their problem solving abilities and get prizes in The Cognitive Thinking Club
Ms Ingale hands out costumes so year 11 students studying Macbeth can get into character
Image: Ms Ingale hands out costumes so year 11 students studying Macbeth can get into character
Year 11 English Advanced students appropriate Macbeth
Image: Year 11 English Advanced students appropriate Macbeth
Students appropriate the treachery of Macbeth in their performances
Image: Students appropriate the treachery of Macbeth in their performances
Students standing looking at an outline of a person made from white tape on the floor of the classroom
Image: Mr Gayler and Ms McLean's Year 12 English Standard classes investigate a crime scene simulation before they analyse the mystery in their set text, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Student lying on the floor inside a white tape outline
Image: Year 12 English Standard students are introduced to the mystery in their set text The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by investigating a 'murder' scene
English Extension 2 students celebrating after submitting their Major Works
Image: English Extension 2 students celebrating after submitting their Major Works

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We would like to pay our respects and acknowledge the Dharawal people, the traditional custodians of the land and also pay respect to Elders both past, present, and future.

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